Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off India's first hydrogen-powered train on Friday, July 17, 2026 [1, 2].
The launch marks a significant shift toward decarbonizing the national rail network. By replacing traditional fuels with hydrogen, India aims to reduce carbon emissions and accelerate its green mobility mission [3, 4].
The train operates on a route between Jind and Sonipat in Haryana [1, 2, 5]. This specific corridor covers a distance of 89 kilometres [1]. The service is scheduled to run twice daily [1].
Technical specifications for the new fleet include a configuration of 10 coaches [6]. This setup allows the train to carry approximately 2,600 passengers per trip [6]. The project focuses on introducing clean, hydrogen-fuelled transport to the region's infrastructure [3, 4].
Beyond the rail launch, the government announced accompanying development projects valued at around Rs 14,700 crore [7]. These investments are intended to support the broader transition toward sustainable transportation, and urban infrastructure [7].
The introduction of hydrogen fuel cell technology allows the train to emit only water vapor, eliminating the direct exhaust of greenhouse gases. This initiative aligns with national goals to transition away from fossil fuel dependency in the public transport sector [3, 4].
“India's first hydrogen-powered train will run twice daily between Jind and Sonipat.”
The deployment of a hydrogen-powered train signals India's intent to move beyond electrification and toward a zero-emission rail ecosystem. While the current route is limited to 89 kilometres, the integration of this technology serves as a pilot for larger-scale adoption. Success in Haryana could lead to the replacement of diesel locomotives on non-electrified tracks across the country, significantly lowering the carbon footprint of the Indian Railways.
